Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Earth Explorers)

Serco Space Services - Europe Careers; Darmstadt; Hybrid; EUR 55.000 - 75.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading space services provider seeks a Spacecraft Operations Engineer for the European Space Agency in Darmstadt. This role focuses on operational preparation for Earth Explorer missions, requiring expertise in spacecraft systems and anomaly management. The position includes relocation support and a hybrid working model, fostering a collaborative work environment.

Leistungen

Relocation allowance including a flight ticket

Hybrid working model

30% subvention on Deutschland ticket

Gym membership discount

Participation in pension and health scheme

30 days of holiday

Qualifikationen

• 3+ years in spacecraft operations preparation or routine mission ops.
• In-depth knowledge of SCOS-2000 and EGOS-CC.
• Strong technical understanding of spacecraft platforms and instrument operations.

Aufgaben

• Develop and maintain operational procedures for spacecraft.
• Execute validation campaigns including system-level test readiness reviews.
• Lead configuration of operational simulators and planning tools.

Kenntnisse

Telemetry trend analysis

Anomaly root-cause analysis

Command execution monitoring

Ausbildung

MSc in Aerospace, Systems, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCOS-2000

EGOS-CC

WebMUST

Python

Jobbeschreibung

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA. Serco offers space capability across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies and New Space ventures who want to scale their businesses/organizations with skilled talent.

On behalf of our customer the European Space Agency, we are looking for a Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Earth Explorers). You would be working on-site at ESOC’s site in Darmstadt.

This position will support the operational preparation and execution phases of Earth Explorer and Earth Watch missions. You will contribute to platform and payload procedure development, simulator configuration, anomaly investigations, and coordination of validation campaigns in collaboration with FCT and Ground Segment teams.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain operational procedures (FOPs) for the spacecraft platform and payload systems.
• Execute validation campaigns including SVTs, SOVTs, and system-level test readiness reviews.
• Lead configuration of the operational simulator, MCS, and planning tool interfaces (EGOS-CC).
• Maintain the telemetry and command database (ODB/MIB) and support updates as per mission phases.
• Manage operational input to anomaly investigations, CRBs/ARBs, and implement recovery strategies.
• Coordinate with Ground Segment and SOC teams for tool validation, configuration alignment, and interface testing.
• Support OBSM patch definition, memory load testing, and validation with real hardware/simulator chains.
• Contribute to FOS maintenance, tool regression testing, and version control across uplink chains.
• Validate and test GS upgrades, including MCS plug-in changes and post-patch system integrity.
• Interface with subsystem leads (thermal, power, AOCS, DH, RF) to ensure system behaviour aligns with mission requirements.

Profile:

• MSc in Aerospace, Systems, or Electrical Engineering.
• 3+ years in spacecraft operations preparation or routine mission ops (ESA environment preferred).
• In-depth knowledge of SCOS-2000 and EGOS-CC, including simulator and MCS configuration.
• Strong technical understanding of spacecraft platforms, instrument operations, and EGSE setups.
• Hands-on experience with OBSM, OBCP patching, and command sequence validation.
• Familiarity with ground system test planning, execution, and report documentation.
• Experience in anomaly root-cause analysis and command execution monitoring.
• Competent in telemetry trend analysis, health tracking, and reporting tools (WebMUST, Python preferred).
• Proven skills in writing and maintaining mission operations documentation (ORR/CRR readiness).
• Able to work closely with cross-functional teams (FCT, GS, SOC) and manage technical interfaces

All candidates must be eligible to work in the EU.

Nice to have:

• Previous ops prep work on FLEX, EarthCARE, or BIOMASS.
• Experience coordinating with external GS partners (e.g., EUMETSAT).
• Knowledge of CCSDS/PUS TM/TC services for payload commanding.

On Offer:

• Relocation allowance: including a one-way flight ticket, transportation from the airport to a temporary hotel, and one month of paid accommodation while securing permanent housing.
• Hybrid working model.
• 30% subvention on Deutschland ticket.
• Gym membership discount.
• Participation in pension and health scheme.
• 30 days of holiday.

Relocation:

Darmstadt, Germany, offers a central location in Europe, making it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air, with Frankfurt Airport being one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.

Serco GMBH offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to Germany and work for ESOC.

DE&I:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Serco GMBH is based on a culture where every voice is heard, and every employee feels valued. Working together as one team, we can enhance the experience of our people and teams, improve the value of our solutions to better serve the missions of our customers, and make an impact in our world.